River Journal caught up with Riley Moeller, owner of Croton E-Bikes in Croton-on-Hudon to find out what’s new at his recently renamed store.
River Journal: When did you start your business and why?
Riley Moeller: The idea for our business emerged in the middle of the pandemic in 2020. At the time, I was struggling to adapt to corporate America’s new “work from home” norm. Working from home just wasn’t for me, or was it? I certainly didn’t miss the daily train commute and I enjoyed spending more time with my family, especially our two kids, who were three and five years old at the time. However, as the weeks turned into months, I was still working from home and couldn’t help but notice the feelings of boredom and isolation taking hold. I self medicated with thrilling adventures by bike with my kids in tow, exploring our local area. Playgrounds were a favorite. It was pure bliss. Surprisingly, the more we cycled, the less I found myself preoccupied with work and it soon became clear that I needed a change.
RJ: What made you choose your business location?
RM: I wanted the business to be close to home. My family lives in Croton, my wife grew up here, our kids go to Croton schools. So naturally, it made sense to locate the business in Croton too.
RJ: What services and products do you offer?
RM: A) Sales. We’re proud to be an authorized dealer for top electric bike brands such as Aventon, Bunch Bikes, Lectric, Pedego, Rad Power, Troxus, Urtopia, Van Powers, and Velotric. We also carry bicycle racks from Thule, Kuat, Saris, and Hollywood Racks as well as a wide selection of universal bike accessories and parts.
RJ: What is unique about your company?
RM: Electric bikes are our specialty. Customers love our wide range of styles from top e-bike brands all under one roof, but what truly sets us apart is our approach to test rides. We don’t just send you around the parking lot—we offer real-world riding opportunities, usually around 30 minutes, tailored to your needs and accompanied by a staff member. Looking for a folding bike for your commute? We’ll ride to the train station with you, help fold it up, and have you carry it up the stairs to make sure it works for your routine. Interested in an electric mountain bike? You can be sure we’ll hit some trails during the test ride. We take a hands-on, personalized approach and really listen to our customers. That level of care helps riders feel confident, informed, and matched with the right bike.
RJ: Does your business give back to the community?
RM: We’re proud to be an active part of our community and give back whenever we can. We especially enjoy supporting local youth through donations to sports teams, school clubs, and Scouts, as well as organizations like Croton Caring, the Booster Club, and the Lions Club. We’ve donated bikes and helmets to individuals in need and donated bikes and other products to raise money via raffles. One of our most meaningful contributions happened this spring, when we partnered with Croton Caring and the Croton Police Department (among countless other individuals) to help get more underprivileged children in our community on bikes. We donated our time to tune up over 100 bicycles and provided helmets and gear to ensure the kids could ride safely. It was a project close to our hearts and a great example of how small business can give back to its community.
RJ: Do you have any specific plans/goals for growth or significant changes in the near future?
RM: Yes, we’re excited to launch community e-bike rides starting this summer. Rides will take place on the first and third Sundays of each month, beginning at 9 AM outside our shop and lasting about an hour. They’re free to join, and all e-bike riders are welcome. E-bike owners are passionate about riding, and we’re in a unique position to bring hundreds of them together. Riding as a group is more fun, and we saw an opportunity to build a stronger sense of community around something we all love.
We’re also excited about our new partnership with Bunch Bikes, which allows us to offer free BunchBike rentals all summer long. A Bunch Bike is a three-wheeled electric cargo trike with a large front box, perfect for carrying kids, pets, or gear. With seatbelts, electric assist, and a stable design, it’s great for new riders and families looking for a fun, eco-friendly way to get around town. My wife and I especially enjoy the front-facing setup because it makes rides with our 2 kids (and occasionally the family dog) more interactive and enjoyable.
Use code BUNCHME to book your free rental. www.CrotonEbikes.com.
Croton E-Bikes
364 S Riverside Ave
Croton-On-Hudson
914-873-8004
www.CrotonEbikes.com
@CrotonEbikes
PHOTO: Father and Daughter E-Bike
CAPTION: Riley Moeller and his daughter Andie share a ride. Photo supplied
PHOTO: E-Bike for Two
CAPTION: Samantha Moeller and her son Zach share an e-bike built for two. Photo supplied
PHOTO: E-Bike Crowd
CAPTION: E-bike enthusiasts get ready for a ride. Photo supplied
